At the end of August we held an engaging event that featured a panel of senior industry leaders. The event’s objective was to help journalists get positioned for impending industry change and packaged for successful career transition. 

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Get to know our esteemed panelists:

Tiffani Lupenski - Digital Executive Producer of Streaming Programs at KPRC-TV

Tiffani knows her way around a newsroom. She has been a Producer or News Director for nearly 20 years in markets like San Diego, St Louis, Denver, and Chicago. Today she is unique qualified to share her perspective on the future of the industry as EP of Digital Content in a Top 10 DMA.

Stephanie Gorin - Senior Talent Acquisition Partner (Recruiter) at The E.W. SCRIPPS 

Stephanie was recently inducted in the Vermont Broadcasting Hall of Fame and approaches her recruiting role with deep industry knowledge. In her role, she is likely the first screen you will get in the interview process. You have to get through Steph first! She has always been extremely generous with her time mentoring all journalists that walk through her door and TalentBlvd.

Jim Doty, VP/GM - KERO-TV

Jim has been a strong 'go to' when TalentBlvd looks to match a client with a mentor. Jim has helped young professionals navigate media companies for years. His managerial experiences come from senior roles at Scripps, Sinclair, Nexstar and Viacom. You won't find many VP/GMs with Jim's background as involved in the newsroom as he is. He really understands the 'big picture'.

Jessica Bobula - News Director at KOLD 13 News

Has worked as Producer and News Director in Billings, MT, Tucson, AZ, Sacramento, CA, Houston/Dallas, TX and each of the Carolinas. She's an award-winning journalist and team leader with a knack for keeping a close eye on the details, pushing the creative envelope, and developing the careers of content creators.

Suzzane Lake Nadell - News Director at WSB-TV

Suzanne has been a rising star at Cox Media from Day One and has held News Director roles at company stations in Tulsa and Pittsburgh before being asked to lead Cox's flagship station in a top 10 market. She understands what 'caring leadership' means.

Martha Jennings - Managing Editor at WRAL

Like Suzanne, Martha has been either a Producer or News Director for nearly 20 years. Today she quietly has mentored many young TalentBlvd journalists selflessly helping them navigate the industry and make exceptional career choices, some of which might have included WRAL because who wouldn't want to work with Martha Jennings?

These are the highlights:

When it comes to Changing Skill Sets:

• A good newsroom citizen is naturally curious and kind. Even if you don't have the experience, your skills should include good writing, editing, ability to adapt to digital technology, and more importantly, willingness to learn new skills.
• If you're looking to travel for work, stay in the mid market. Familiar faces will stay behind the desk.
• Don't make the jump to a large market too fast. Playing time in mid-markets is more beneficial than sitting on the bench in larger markets.
• We need storytellers, be able to tell a story in 20 secs or 1 min daily. Good writing and communication is our currency.
• Brand trust is important, leading and understanding new content (vertical video).
• Avoid pitching products on your socials, news directors will look into your social media as part of their due diligence in the hiring process.
• Everyone in the newsroom is a journalist but the audience wants someone who they can relate to, not on a set, not on a bow tie. 

Career Resources

Use Linkedin to reach out to CEOs or successful people who you admire. Most successful people give back a lot and will help others get where they want to go.

Reels & Resumes

• Many News Directos listen instead of looking at a reel. The voice has a lot to do with your credibility.
• Tailor your reel to the specific job and station even if it's not the strongest story, as long as you seem under control. If you have the basics we know we can help with the rest.
• Be creative and teach something in your reel. This will make you stand out. 
• The first impression has to be authentic. Don't give a 'stand up' presentation, give your best 3 mins that will show that you can communicate and present well while telling a story.
• Character development in your package is critical. Why should we care? 

Last but not least, Martha Jennings share 5 things WRAL looks for in a reel:

1. Source driven Stories. Tell a story using real sources or beats instead of social media. Listen to a full council meeting or call people from previous stories. Show you can develop a story.
2. Full length live show & action-filled examples. "Hook me like a news website!"
3. Reel + bonus links on Youtube (buttons on website that are interactive)
4. Make contact info easy to find.
5. Include strong questions in the package that show your curiosity (willingness to learn).

If you have questions for our panel or suggestions for future events, email us admin@talentblvd.com

We look forward to hearing from you!

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